Microsoft has always managed to come up with interesting new gadgets to explore virtual worlds. Their latest “invention” comes in the form of Claw. This new gadget is designed specifically for virtual reality and will allow users to experience haptic feedback. Feeling objects in the virtual world has been impossible for the most time, but it seems things are finally heading in the right direction as we speak.
Microsoft’s Claw is an Intriguing Gadget
It becomes all the more apparent the virtual reality industry will be one where gadgets play a big role in creating more immersive environments altogether. So far, there has not been a gadget that will “wow” a lot of people, but Microsoft may have come up with something a lot of people will be genuinely excited about. Known as the Claw, it is a gizmo which allows users to receive haptic feedback in virtual reality, which is quite interesting when dealing with virtual objects.
More specifically, there is a lot of appeal to VR as of right now. It transports people to a whole new virtual world of their own choosing, even though it is not perfect by any means. More specifically, there is a lack of haptic feedback, and interacting with virtual objects leaves a lot to be desired. Microsoft hopes to change all of that in the very near future, although it remains to be seen how successful they will be in this regard. The Claw is certainly an interesting product, though.
Even though it does not reflect the real world whatsoever, it is a vast improvement compared to not getting any sort of response when dealing with virtual objects. One finger can feel the things it interacts with objects in VR through a combination of servo motors, force sensors, and a voice coil actuator. It will certainly result in some interesting experiences overall, although it remains to be seen how many games and experiences will effectively integrate this new technology in the future.
One of the biggest concerns is how “novel” this experience will be. Moreover, the constant feedback provided by interacting with VR objects may not prove to be all that fun in the long run either, for all we know. Doing the same thing over and over again – or having the experience trigger in some way – can work counterproductive in the long run. For now, we will have to wait and see whether or the Claw will make a positive impact.
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